Inside Hillary's Marriage

Bill's philandering was humiliation on a global scale—but there was an unexpected benefit: Hillary got the chance to fire up her own political ambition. "The country was most favorable toward Hillary when she was being victimized," says family therapist Terrence Real, author of The New Rules of Marriage. "Her difficulty is the public perception of her as an ice maiden. When she opened up, it rebalanced her and made her someone that you could feel something for." In 2000, Clinton rode that wave of sympathy to the Senate. But if she captures the White House, will Bill be able to keep his own ego in check and become the supportive spouse a president needs?

Despite endless commentary from fans and foes, the Clinton union remains a tantalizing mystery. It's hard to tell whether this is a marriage of passion, or simply a partnership based on political convenience. Both Clintons have said they have benefited from marital counseling, and Hillary has admitted to extensive soul-searching about her marriage. In her 2003 memoir, Living History, she wrote: "The most difficult decisions I have made in my life were to stay married to Bill and to run for the Senate from New York." She hasn't said much about the subject since then. Even longtime Clinton advisor James Carville, not shy with his opinions, refuses to dish. "It's uranium-242," he told TheWashington Post. "You pick that stuff up and it'll blow up in your face."

But the couple earns kudos from marriage experts for sticking it out. "We know more about the Clintons than anybody—and the more I know about each of them, the more enthusiastic I am about what they have been able to do," says Frank Pittman, a psychiatrist and family therapist in private practice in Atlanta and the author ofPrivate Lies: Infidelity and the Betrayal of Intimacy."That's what made it possible for her to overcome all that stupidity. They were best friends."

1. Sarah Palin

Sarah Palin has failed at just about everything and still somehow manages to stay relevant. Seriously, what other losing vice-presidential candidates can you name? That said, she has to be doing something right. My Fox News-loving grandpa tells me it's the legs, and I'll take his word for it.

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2. Paul Ryan

Paul Ryan: Because behind every conservative is a very dark, deviant, pervy side. Look at those eyes, that smug smile, that widow's peak. Dude is probably into some freaky shit.

Paul Ryan

3. John Boehner and Mitt Romney

John Boehner and Mitt Romney count as one person because they have so much in common besides their Republican loyalty. And by "so much in common" I just mean "orange skin." What makes that sexy? C'mon, don't act like Doritos aren't delicious.

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4. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Ruth Bader Ginsburg is the Beyonce of the Supreme Court, and you will deal.

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5. Marco Rubio

Some people think it's not hot if someone's too thirsty. The good thing about Marco Rubio's insatiable thirst, though, is that it makes him a man who will do whatever it takes.

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6. Joe Biden

Is there any living politico on Earth you'd rather have a beer with than Vice President Mr.-Steal-Yo-Girl Joe Biden? He has no filter and no f*cks left to give. And he does things like this constantly.

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7. Elizabeth Warren

Whether or not Elizabeth Warren's cheekbones are a result of her alleged Cherokee heritage, they're working as well as her legislation does. Especially considering that haircut.

Elizabeth Warren

8. Rick Santorum

Google or Urban Dictionary "santorum." If that's your thing, well, he's your guy, considering it's basically what comes out of his mouth every time he speaks.

10. Rick Perry

For all you women who are into Christian Grey, consider former Texas Governor Rick Perry your guy, because he's domineering, rich, white and wants total control of your reproductive organs.

Rick Perry

Sarah Palin has failed at just about everything and still somehow manages to stay relevant. Seriously, what other losing vice-presidential candidates can you name? That said, she has to be doing something right. My Fox News-loving grandpa tells me it's the legs, and I'll take his word for it.